Here in our beach communities red flags are posted along the beaches when surf conditions make swimming dangerous. Usually the conditions produce rip currents, which are a major danger and cause for drowning. The flags are put up for the protection of the public.
Yesterday most of our municipalities put up the flags. I have no doubt that lives were saved in those town. Two towns did not, and in one of them a man drowned. In those towns the government failed to protect the public, most of whom are from out of town and really don't understand the dangers of rough seas. After all, they paid a lot of money to vacation here and by God, they want to swim in the ocean.
Giving out warnings isn't fun. Someone will always protest. "But I'm a good swimmer." "Isn't this a free country?", or some other stupid rationale. Those who are in positions of authority and knowledge have a responsibility to err on the side of caution and to take the heat for making the tough choice and putting out the flags.
To do anything less is negligent on the part of those who are entrusted with that responsibilty. Human life is of greater value than any other cause.
Hmmm. Sounds like a lot of comparisons could be made here to the church...
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When I read the article in the VP this morning it really upset me because not only are the beachgoers at risk by not being warned of danger, but the lifeguards themselves are at risk. The guy that died was said to be a good swimmer--an instructor--what does that say about the average person's chances?
I seem to recall a similar thing happened last year involving the same "official".
The two towns involved ought to take note of this incident and make some changes.
hmmm....
how long till someone sues a town?
It's interesting that towns can go overboard on codes but won't go overboard to save lives.
I don't know which is worse, an ER full of "near" drownings or an ER full of sunburns. You can be sure that either way the whole family will be there. My question is this, whether it is a town that doesn't put up the flags, or the "good" swimmer that won't listen to the warnings, when does good old common sense take over?
as i read your post this am i felt such grief for those who were not properly warned and paid for it with their lives, however the last sentence of your post was the one that really made my heart hurt.God help us...
@ladybug -
An ER with multiple drownings. Been there, done that.
This entry would so preach. How many red flags does God put up for us and we just jump right in anyway. Of course we always think we know best, we can after all, see what is in front of us or handle the situation. This one speaks loud. If I don't want to lose my life, I need to watch for the red flags and heed the warning. This post actually goes way beyond the beach.
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